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Apprentice Lineman - Underground

Position Title: Apprentice Lineman
EEO Class: Laborers & Helpers
Department: Underground FLSA
Status: Nonexempt
Reports To: Foreman

General Summary:

Operate medium-size truck following DOT and OSHA requirements, assist Crew Foreman and other crew members with ground support, maintain proper inventory of tools and materials for the utility truck, and perform daily maintenance and inspection of truck. This person is at the entrylevel position within our ranks and is responsible for performing these tasks all under the direction and training as needed by the Foreman.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Perform vehicle and/or trailer inspections and prepare for the daily assignments. (10%)

  • Perform daily pre-trip DOT vehicle inspections using inspection books provided.
  • Perform daily checks of basic engine fluids and on-board displays showing tire pressure and other reminders.
  • Perform basic “house cleaning” of truck interior, windows, mirrors, storage bins, and bed daily.
  • Perform exterior washing of truck as needed.
  • Stock the trucks with the proper safety equipment, tools, and materials.
  • Assist in the loading and/or unloading of conduit, coax, or fiber reels from trailers.
  • Ensure that all items in the bed space are secured and that the trailer is fully connected and proper.
  • Ensure that all trailer lighting and brakes (if equipped) are functioning properly.
  • Grease and/or lubricate specified points on excavation equipment.

2. Perform safe operation of medium-size truck following DOT and OSHA Work requirements. (20%)

  • Drive the utility truck to and from the jobsite and within the jobsite as needed.
  • Position truck and trailer for loading and/or unloading of excavation equipment.

3. Assist Crew Foreman with ground support to construct underground communications plant. (60%)

  • Set up and/or take down work area protection at job site (signs, cones, etc.)
  • Study work prints, observe and retain the processes of various job site assessments, setups, and the procedures of doing the actual work of the Foreman.
  • Provide tools and materials to the Foreman in the sequence as they are needed and assist as directed from the ground to place new strand or cable on the pole line.
  • Maintain a clean and safe work area by picking up work related debris/waste, tools, and/or equipment from the ground.
  • Will require extensive use of shovels, rakes, brooms, and other similar hand tools to move dirt, gravel, sand, asphalt, concrete, etc.
  • May require handling of conduit, cable, or fiber by pulling it off the reel as directed by Foreman.
  • May require handling, cutting, gluing, and/or placing PVC, rolled, or steel conduit in trenches.
  • Assist Foreman/Operator with excavation by spotting movement of excavation equipment digging/scooping buckets.
  • Document specific notes and other information onto work prints, work orders, or logs as directed by the Foreman relating to completed work items, irregularities, or other important information.

4. Perform end of day activities. (10%)

  • Complete DOT post-trip inspection started in the morning. Deposit inspection slips in container provided.
  • Remove any accumulated trash, debris, tools, and/or materials and either dispose in dumpster or return to designated location.
  • Deposit fuel slips as applicable into container provided.
  • If company vehicle is parked outside, it must be parked properly, locked, and keys returned to the key board.
  • Complete time sheet and address any notes left by management. 5. Perform other miscellaneous duties as directed by management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  1. Must maintain a valid Driver’s License with good driving record.
  2. Must be able to pass an annual or bi-annual DOT physical examination.
  3. Must be able to maintain a drug free life and pass a pre-employment and/or random drug tests.
  4. Must have the ability to work with and communicate with other crew members.
  5. Must have the ability to communicate with Crew Foreman and other crew members using twoway devices (radios, intercoms).
  6. Must have the ability to, or learn to read and understand design prints, work orders, and specifications.
  7. Must have the ability to understand and adhere to all company, OSHA, and DOT safety rules and regulations.
  8. Must have the ability to read and understand DOT traffic patterns and set up safe work zones accordingly.
  9. Must have the ability to safely drive a medium size single axle truck/trailer on both highways and surface streets with acute trailer backing skills.
  10. Must be able to maintain a clean and organized work environment (truck and worksite).
  11. Must be able to learn and anticipate the needs of the Crew Foreman beforehand to keep a positive workflow.
  12. Must be able to understand use of, and work with basic hand tools and perform small tasks and tool maintenance while supporting the Crew Foreman.
  13. Must be able to work consistently at a steady pace for the entire day.
  14. Must be able to communicate any deficiencies with company tools, equipment, and trucks.
  15. Must be able to communicate desired traffic control needs to any hired traffic control personnel.
  16. Must possess skills required or ability to retain training on confined space manhole work.
  17. Must be able to, or retain training to handle and operate ladders, pumps, tampers, and similar equipment on and off trucks and to and from work sites.
  18. Must be able to lift 70+ pounds.
  19. Should be able to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and holidays for emergency repairs.

Education and Experience:

High School diploma or the equivalent. One to two years of related work experience in Telecom construction preferred.

Physical Requirements:

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 0-24% 25-49% 50-74% 75-100%
Seeing: Must be able to read design prints. Must be able to drive vehicle 100 miles or more per day to visit customer premises and work sites.       X
Communicate: Must be able to communicate with coworkers.       X
Movement: Must be able to move around the work site.       X
Climbing/Stooping/Kneeling: Must be able to ascend and descend ladder, in and out of trenches, bend over or kneel repeatedly, dig various materials.       X
Lifting/Pulling/Pushing:     X  
Fingering/Grasping/Feeling: Must be able to write, type, and use phone system.       X

 

Working Conditions:

Usual outdoor working conditions including occasional exposure to elements such as noise, dust, cold/heat, rain, snow, mud, and traffic/interruptions. Some elements present that make conditions less than desirable than usually found in an office. Proper attire is required.

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